"Slimmed down, firmed up and with power and torque figures to raise front wheels"

Overall Rating
5 out of 5

What a makeover! And just in time… As other sports 600s were creeping ahead, Suzuki looked as if it would be left for dead. And then they came up with this Suzuki GSX-R600. Slimmed down, firmed up and with power and torque figures to raise front wheels as well as eyebrows, the “new” Suzuki GSX-R600 was an absolute storm.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5

Virtually completely rebuilt, the new Suzuki GSX-R600 proved lighter, stronger and more aerodynamic. The rigid chassis and excellent suspension made easy work of hard cornering whilst the brakes were good but lacked initial bite. Handling was sharp and precise… The Suzuki GSX-R600 is almost too good for the road!

Engine
5 out of 5

After years of sluggish midrange, the Suzuki GSX-R600 finally got the tweaks it needed. Performance figures went through the roof as the power spread down the rev range but still remained frenzied up top. New fuel injection was super smooth, even low down. This Suzuki GSX-R600 is a masterpiece.

Build Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5

Earlier Suzuki GSX-R600s weren’t renowned for having a brilliant finish: the engine’s always been the strongest point. The newer model seems slightly better off although paintwork chipping easily is a common complaint. Beware: the Suzuki GSX-R600 gobbles up tyres and brake pads with gusto. Overall quality: average to good.

Insurance, running costs & value
4 out of 5

When it came out, theSuzuki GSX-R600 was cheaper than an R6, CBR600FS, TT600 and a ZX-6R. That, combined with it’s awesome, racy looks and top performance made it a huge seller. The Suzuki GSX-R600 holds its value pretty well too, against its rivals, and given its capabilities and mechanical reliability, it remains a fantastic buy. Find a Suzuki GSX-R600 for sale.

Equipment
4 out of 5

The Suzuki GSX-R600 dash was a digital/analogue combo and the bike featured a steering damper, bungee hooks, good mirrors and headlight. The SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) provided silky acceleration. Brought up to date, the Suzuki GSX-R600 became draw-droppingly beautiful and had the exhaust note to match.

By
MCN Staff

Owners' Reviews

21 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-R600 (2001-2003) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

I have ownd a 2001 R6, comparisons are similar if anything at all the gsxr may be a bit bulkier but sertanly torquer and they sound better to Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes

3 out of 5

Like any super sport they're meant to be ridden hard so they're not the best for long trips

Engine

5 out of 5

Torque and power keeps comming on

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

Very little goes wrong as long as you treat the bike with some care more then likely gunna right a super sport of before you completely wear a engine out

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

Serviced every 5000 km with quality oils u can't go wrong

Equipment

5 out of 5

The factory colour skeem with the white rims looks sick

Buying experience

Played $3000 with 6 months rego at the start of 2016

5 out of 5

18 April 2016
by
T C

Year :
2002

My first road bike after passing my test, and kept it for three years. everyone told me not to get a sports bike for a first bike and I'm so glad I didn't listen to them. Absolutely amazing what a rush. The gsxr has always been better than me,... Read more inspires confidence and forgives your mistakes. If you buy one for a first sports bike you won't be disappointed. Supper fast, and amazing handling. Never missed a beat, supper reliable.

Ride Quality & Brakes

4 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

-

Equipment

3 out of 5

-

4 out of 5

under estimated

07 March 2014
by
shuey

had a k3 last summer but couldnt bare the back breaking riding position
(im 6ft 1 ) i wish i couldve kept it theyre a great bike...power and reliability are what comes to mind
very light and for a 600 shockingly quick
it seems like it was pulled... Read more off the track and had a headlight put on lol
not really suited for a tall rider or long distance but other than that a great machine..

Ride Quality & Brakes

3 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

3 out of 5

I cant

09 June 2008
by
dougie399

over knock the GSXR - They dont still make it for no reason after all! However I have to say after all the hype and warnings of how fierce it would be I was slightly dissapointed to find that it's not really that fierce at all! When you just want to... Read more bimble about the GSXR will allow you to do that without a problem however to get a wriggle on you needed to wring its kneck! Not in a satisfying two stroke screaming way either .. more like an oh my god Im killing it way! So would definately say its lacking mid range torque. Its not an offensive bike but I so wanted it to 'rock my world' and it just didnt! horses for courses i guess!

Ride Quality & Brakes

4 out of 5

-

Engine

3 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

3 out of 5

-

Equipment

3 out of 5

-

4 out of 5

Super Bike!

25 May 2008
by
timmy637

I only just took delivery of my black/silver gixxer three days ago, but I'm loving every second of it!
I previously had a K3 GPZ500S, so this was a huge shock to the system. Acceleration is just out of this world, it wants to rip your arms out of... Read more their sockets whilst you hang on for dear life!
Handling is super, the steering dampener makes the bike so stable at high speeds. The stiff frame and grip from the tyres makes me hold much more speed into corners that I would never have done on the GPZ. Top marks for the frame.
Engine wise its great, absolutely stonking amounts of power in there. Theres a slight lack of midrange but as soon as you get to the high revs its a hoot.
Finish isn't exactly up there with Honda, but its average. Paint chips quite easily, and I think without some TLC you would see some corrosion if you ride all year round like I do. But a good anti-corrosion product should help with that.
All in all, I absolutely LOVE this bike. Currently saving for a double bubble, being 6ft the standard screen isn't high enough. Also looking to get a Scorpion titanium end can to give the exhaust note a bit more balls. If your in the market for an old sports 600, I would deffinately reccomend this bike!

Ride Quality & Brakes

4 out of 5

-

Engine

4 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

Bought a gixxer 6 about 3 months ago. Having a great time on it. clocked 165

21 July 2006
by
neileo

Fantastic bike. The injection on the k1 makes all the difference against 00r6and even the 02 zx6. The bike I bought had all the extras included except an alarm which I think is essential because if I was a bank robber I'd want one.... Read more Strengths: Injection, standard damper. Weaknesses: Sore on the wrists over long trips. Little bit of chatter braking into corners.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

Just an amazing bike; so much fun and the grin factor is outstanding

03 April 2006
by
stevegsv650s

Bought a 2003 K3 in Black/Silver, trading up from an SV650S. Once I'd got used to the speed of the engine (compared to the SV) when you rev it, it's been easy to ride. Sounds superb on the standard can and looks brilliant in black and silver. A joy... Read more to ride and the engine is intoxicating when you gun it. A little wrist heavy in town but not as bad as I thought it would be. Great on the motorway (I've fitted a double bubble). So responsive; handling and ride are a step up from the SV and it instills confidence in you as a rider. The power is there is if you need it but you can have 90% of the fun by staying below 10k revs. Can't believe just how good it is to ride....and it's more comfortable overall than the SV (seat is much better!) Strengths: Engine, sound through the airbox, looks, handling, stability of the chassis,stupid grin factor! Weaknesses: Slightly wrist heavy in town, but's that the territory you're in...

The best looking model of the gsxr family, far more attractive than the k4 bikes. Strengths: Looks, performance. And it makes women in bmw's wet. Weaknesses: The break's are crap! Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

My Review

20 September 2003
by
gixxer six

I have owned 3 gsxr's and the k model is by far the better bike,l ighter, noticably faster sleeker, responds well to miner tuning ie exhaust, air filter, and the standard suspension setting are excellent for road and track use, the only negative... Read more thing about the bike is the steering damper at slow speeds, it makes the bike feel heavy to be honest it does need one.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

My Review

02 August 2003
by
Ady69

This is my second Suzuki since passing my test and I can honestly say I'm chuffed to bits with it. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It looks good it goes very well and you get off it with a big stupid grin on your face. The only thing that... Read more lets it down is you dont get to pass many petrol stations, but hopefully that will get better as it gets more miles on it, I've only done 750mls at the moment..

History & Versions

Model history

1996: Suzuki GSX-R600 first launched.1998: First major overhaul of Suzuki GSX-R600.2001: This Suzuki GSX-R600, the first of the “K” series, introduced after being virtually rebuilt from the ground up. Amongst the mods were the addition of fuel injection, new bodywork and styling, longer travel front suspension, an aluminium rear shock, and a longer wheelbase and swingarm. Very similar in appearance to the 750 and 1000cc varients.